We have 2 Kia's, mine is a 2004 Sedona and DH has a 2003 Spectra. We both were raised by dads who worked their entire adult lives at Ford. It was very difficult to buy foreign, and I wish I didn't have to but the fact is my van (sunroof, the works) was $17,500, and DH's was under $10,000. Even a basic model van with the A Plan (Ford employee discount) couldn't come near $17,500. We bought what we could afford, and while I know that that is part of the problem with our economy, I also know not being able to feed my kids would have been a problem too, we did what we could afford to do.
While I hope to be able to afford to buy American again in the future, if you have limited funds, the Kia is a great car with a great warranty. We have been very satisfied.